Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Pasture/Forage Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda (likely based on leaf texture and growth in the image)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; high heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance; goes dormant and turns brown after the first hard frost.
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing grass with a wiry texture. Features a grey-green to deep green color, turning straw-colored in winter dormancy. Seed heads are distinctive finger-like spikes (3-7 branches) arranged like a bird's foot.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly V-shaped, with a pointed tip. Vernation is folded. Ligule is a fringe of hairs; auricles are absent. The collar is narrow and hairy at the edges.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with aggressive rhizomes and stolons; high thatch tendency; fast establishment; excellent drought tolerance and wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa, widely naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, especially the southern United States.
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous; highly aggressive with rapid spreading and mat-forming tendencies.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); high drought tolerance; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0; needs moderate water during active growth.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5 to 1.5 inches for hybrid, 1.0 to 2.5 inches for common; requires frequent mowing; fertilization 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year; high maintenance.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic/wear tolerance; high salt tolerance; poor shade tolerance; exceptional ability to crowd out weeds and recover from damage.
Ecological Information
Introduced in North America; provides soil stabilization for erosion control; can be invasive in gardens/flower beds; commonly mixed with Ryegrass for winter overseeding.